I'm sorry to hear about your dog. I would think allergies as well if the eyes were just watery, but considering his immune system is a bit weakened right now with the kennel cough and the fact his eyes are both puffy and itchy as well, it likely is the start of an eye infection. Visine is produced for humans, and because of this, is regulated at a human eye's pH, which differs from a dogs.

If attempting to treat at home you want to be very careful first of all that the eyes continually look better through treatment, and no signs of continued rubbing at it, reddening worse, or cloudiness appear in the eye.

You should rinse the eyes with sterile saline, like that found in regular contact lens solution, and do not let the tip of the container touch the eyes. Make sure it is not the disinfecting/storing type of contact lens solution, just the normal saline/ NaCl. You can wipe around the eyes with the saline soaked on a soft cotton ball or gauze, but don't use anything harsh like paper towels. Always be gentle around the eyes.

You can also find an ophthalmic antibiotic ointment at a pharmacy: like terramycin, triple antibiotic (neo/poly/bac), etc. Ask the sales people if you need help, but it does need to be safe for the eyes, not a topical one for skin. After rinsing the eyes, apply the ointment 3 times a day (every 8 hrs) for 10 to 14 days to each.

This is likely conjunctivitis, but could also be a scratch or ulcer forming from the scratching and if not starting to clear up in a couple of days, you'll need a vet to check it. If you feel this doesn't look infected yet, but is indeed just allergies, a lubrication won't help much, but instead you may want to give some benadryl at a dose of 1mg per pound of body weight, no more than once every 8 hours to control itching and puffiness. It can be rounded slightly up or down for easier dosing if needed, and may cause drowsiness.

Best of luck, and let me know if I can help further.

Christine

---

Christine M. Peterson, Licensed Veterinary Technician (NY)

Please click ACCEPT if I have answered your question. Positive FEEDBACK/ BONUSES are greatly appreciated. I strive to help you and your pet; No info on Just Answer can give a diagnosis.

---